Government Urged to Boost Funding for Research Institutions

The National Research Fund (NRF) Chairman, Professor Ratemo Michieka, has called on the Kenyan government to allocate more funds to research institutions to enhance the country’s development. Prof. Michieka emphasized the critical role of research in national progress during his address at the official opening of the third Meru University of Science and Technology International Conference (MUSTIC).

“Every country should fund its research institutions for its benefit,” stated Prof. Michieka. He underscored that no external entity or country could support research institutions more effectively than the nation they reside in. “It is therefore imperative and very important that developing nations inject more funds into the research arena to get things done for that country.”

Prof. Michieka highlighted the potential economic benefits of increased funding for research. He noted that government support could spur innovation, leading to the establishment of new industries and the creation of numerous employment opportunities. “If there is a big factory that has been researched in a given institution, such could probably take in 600 or 700 persons who could be employed comfortably having had research and developed an innovation that can take that number of people,” he said.

Currently, the Kenyan government allocates two percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to research institutions. Prof. Michieka suggested that this percentage should be increased to realize more significant benefits for the country. He pointed out the correlation between research investment and national development, urging a comparison with developed nations. “If you want to know how research contributes to the development of a country, go to the development index of developed countries and check on the amount of money paid in research. You will then realize that it is much more than what we give in Kenya.”

The call for increased funding comes at a crucial time when many developing nations are striving to enhance their research capabilities to drive innovation and economic growth. The emphasis on research funding is expected to resonate with policymakers and stakeholders, potentially leading to a reevaluation of budget priorities to support the long-term development goals of the nation.

This article was reported from Meru during the third Meru University of Science and Technology International Conference (MUSTIC), highlighting the ongoing discussions on the significance of research funding in national development.